Taste Causeway Producers Celebrate Big Wins at Great Taste Awards 2025

Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast is celebrating a string of successes at this year’s Great Taste Awards, with local food and drink producers earning top honours at what is widely regarded as the “Oscars of the food world.”

From premium spirits and small-batch fudge to artisan yoghurt and signature sauces, members of the Taste Causeway collective impressed judges with their craftsmanship, flavour, and innovation – further cementing the borough’s growing reputation as a global food destination.

The standout performance came from Basalt Distillery, whose Volcanic Rock Gin (42.1%) received the coveted three-star rating – the highest possible accolade – alongside a Golden Fork nomination, marking it among the very best products in the competition. The distillery also secured two stars for its higher-strength Volcanic Rock Gin (50.1%) and Volcanic Rock Vodka, earning praise for their distinctive character and depth of flavour.

Other notable successes included:

• Broighter Gold Rapeseed Oil, awarded one star for its rich, smoky Hickory Smoked Rapeseed Oil.

• Chestnutt’s Farm, earning one star for their creamy Greek Yoghurt.

• Partie de Moi, taking home two one-star ratings for Pumpkin Spice and Omi Seasoning blends.

• Glens of Antrim Distillery, recognised with one star for its Lir Red Crest Whiskey.

• Dundarave Estate, achieving a flavour “hat-trick” with one star each for BBQ Sauce, Whiskey Fudge, and Coffee Rub.

• The Lamb Van, securing one star for its Lamb Burger, praised for freshness and taste.

• Paula Cooks, awarded one star for her Rum Christmas Pudding, described as a festive highlight.

Speaking after the results were announced, Taste Causeway representatives said the awards were a reflection of the “passion, skill, and dedication” of producers across the region.

“This year’s Great Taste Awards once again demonstrate that the Causeway Coast is producing food and drink of truly world-class quality,” a spokesperson said. “Our members are putting Northern Ireland firmly on the global culinary map.”

The Great Taste Awards, organised by the Guild of Fine Food, are judged by panels of chefs, food writers, and industry experts, with products assessed on taste alone through rigorous blind tasting.

With such strong results, Taste Causeway’s producers will now be looking ahead to the Golden Fork ceremony – and to sharing their award-winning creations with customers across the UK and beyond.